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A Fashion Tribute to Two Fashion Icons

Last Thursday we lost two of the most influential pop culture figures, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Although I don’t idolize them, I do have a lot of respect for both of them and I can’t deny on how they’ve made a huge impact to our generation and mostly to the fashion world. Every blogs have done their own tribute versions of these two icons, and I think we should also spare a spot here in our beloved FD. In the name of fashion, here’s a quick mini homage to both of them. (Photos courtesy of nymag.com, and cbc.ca)

She was an icon of the 70’s fashion. Even though I didn’t grow up in the seventies, but I was fortunate enough to watch Charlie’s Angels on TV during my teen (thanks to Antenne 2 in the early 90’s). Who could forget her feather-like blonde hair which she made famous in Charlie’s Angels or her Colgate smile? (photo on the left). Many of her seventies looks have inspired today’s runway, from high-waisted jeans, jumpsuits, plaid shirt, zippered swimsuit/leotard, to menswear-inspired suit. See more of her influence on today’s designers, here.

Despite of all his controversial conducts (the phedophile accusations, his discoloration, his plastic surgery addiction, etc.), basically everyone in the 90’s grew up with Michael Jackson‘s music. Like it or not, we were glued to the TV whenever his music videos were played on our screen. Black or White, and Heal The World were two of his most influential songs during my time. A very close friend of mine in middle school was a huge fan of the King of Pop, I remember watching her dancing and listening to his music in her room before going to our boum. (Rania if you read this, my heart goes to you! =)

In the 80s, Bad, Beat It, andThrillerhave changed the music and dance revolution in our pop culture history. I should even say that MTV gained its wide recognition partly due to Jackson’s greatest music videos. People tried to do his Moonwalk dance move from Billy Jean and 80’s kids were imitating his style. Michael Jackson himself was never afraid to experiment with fashion, he was bold and daring with his sequined and rhinestones military jackets, white gloves, white socks and black loafers, statement hats and bow ties, arm band, and his countless chameleon looks. Emmanuelle Alt, French Vogue’s Fashion Director, is said to be “obsessed” with Michael Jackson, and was the reason behind Jackson’s recent addiction to Balmain. For the love of Balmain, let’s take a look on Michael Jackson’s love affair with the French fashion house. Click here, if you want to learn more of Jacko’s fashion timeline.

13 Responses to “A Fashion Tribute to Two Fashion Icons”

man.. i still wonder who was the degraded, torn & ripped jeans trendsetter? was it mj?
cheerss..!

Koukla: June 30, 2009 at 9:21 am

Thanks for this DYS. I couldn’t have said it better

Such a loss indeed. I wasn’t really fan of Charlie’s Angels’ but who could escape that hair and that smile? She is definitely an icon. May she rest in peace.

But Michael Jackson? Where do I start? His music is practically the soundtrack of my life. From as long as I can remember, my family – including my mom and dad – listen to his music all the way back from the Jackson 5 era. We watched every single thing he made, from the insanely elaborate music videos to the short films, to the concerts and performances on videos or DVD. I bought and constantly listen to his albums like Bad, Dangerous and HIStory. Like purplerebel, I also lost interest when the accusations and his bizarre behaviors started, but I couldn’t help but feeling really sad to hear the news of his passing.

He’s just a human being with flaws and all, but I guess he is the only musician capable of transcending age, racial and geographic boundaries. I doubt there’ll be anyone like him again in our generation.

I was glued to the TV after heard about MJ’s untimely passing, as if watching the same news over and over again will help to make sense out of it. I’m by no means the biggest fans of MJ, but as Lena said it’s impossible not to be influenced by his music. I grew up watching Charlie’s Angels and MJ’s video musics… Such a huge loss. RIP, Farrah and MJ!

Lena: June 29, 2009 at 9:44 am

They were icons of the times, its impossible not to have been influenced, even indirectly, by their performances. So a standing ovation and tribute from me, may you rest in peace, Farrah and Michael.

purplerebel: June 29, 2009 at 8:32 am

I too grew up listening to MJ’s music and I loved him, tho I lost interest in recent years (after all the wackiness he was accused of doing). But still, upon hearing the news about his tragic and sudden death I was sooo sad.

Farrah Fawcet was also an icon. I was a big fan of the ass-kicking girls of the Charlie’s angels.

Thanks DYS for the piece!

purplerebel: June 29, 2009 at 8:32 am

I too grew listening to MJ’s music and I loved him, tho I lost interest in recent years (after all the wackiness he was accused of doing). But still, upon hearing the news about his tragic and sudden death I was sooo sad.

Farrah Fawcet was also an icon. I was a big fan of the ass-kicking girls of the Charlie’s angels.

Dys, Dundan.. I feel you =( *hugs*
Dys thanks for the link I bookmarked it.

DYS: June 29, 2009 at 6:34 am

ragil and dundan : gladdd that you both enjoy this mini tribute.. i was only compiling from several sources.. i think i owe this post to those blogs & websites mentioned above who put tons of efforts in finding those photos and putting all the photos together into great collages!
Looking back, now I can say to myself how lucky I am to be able to learn the journeys of these 2 icons.. i love the original series of Charlie’s Angels, they have def inspired many designers!

As for Michael, he was already influential since he was in Jakson Five, and the whole Motown musical era. Wish I can tell more abt it when he was still in Jakson5, but I think I experienced more of his music in the 90s and 80s.

Dundan, i knowww how you feel. I was still in disbelief when hearing the news. On Friday, we all decided to listen only to MJ’s old albums in my office, and there was a huge crowd remembering him on friday here in Union Square. I think everyone in the world mourn his passing, he managed to unite everyone in this world through his music (as far as in Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, etc!!), you should read all the comments in NYtimes, I even had tears in my eyes reading them… http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/25/arts/jackson-legacy.html >>> def worth reading!

DYS!! Great article.. Farah Fawcett is a classic beauty.. and in her older years she’s a role model..
I love LOVE, her big hair. And look at that smile.. I’m melting.

And Michael Jackson.. as big as he was in the music industry, there’s no doubt that he has influence on today’s fashion industry. Those flashing stuff, military jacket, fedora hats.. and the flat oxfords!